How to Replace Garage Door Weather Stripping DIY Guide

Garage door weather stripping is essential for protecting your home from the elements. It prevents drafts, water, dirt, and insects from entering your garage while also keeping your energy costs down. Over time, weather stripping can wear out due to exposure to the elements, and when this happens, it’s important to replace it. Fortunately, replacing garage door weather stripping is a relatively simple DIY task that can be completed with a few basic tools and materials. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of replacing weather stripping on your garage door.

What is Garage Door Weather Stripping?

Before we get into the steps, let’s first define what garage door weather stripping is. Weather stripping is a seal that fits around the edges of your garage door, typically at the bottom, sides, and top, to prevent air, water, and debris from entering the garage. It’s usually made of rubber, vinyl, or other durable, flexible materials. The weather stripping at the bottom of the door, known as the “bottom seal,” is the most commonly replaced part, as it is exposed to the most wear and tear.

Types of Garage Door Weather Stripping

Garage door weather stripping comes in a few different types, including:

1. Bottom Seal: This is the most common type, found along the bottom edge of the door. It helps seal the gap between the door and the ground, preventing cold air, water, and pests from entering.
2. Side and Top Weather Stripping: These strips run along the sides and top of the garage door. They provide additional protection and prevent air from seeping through gaps along the edges.
3. J-Channel and T-Channel Weather Stripping: These are specific to certain types of garage doors. J-channel stripping fits into a “J” shaped groove, while T-channel stripping slides into a “T” shaped track.

For this guide, we’ll focus primarily on replacing the bottom seal, but the steps for replacing side and top weather stripping are similar.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

Tools:

• Measuring tape
• Utility knife or scissors
• Flathead screwdriver
• Hammer (optional)
• Drill (optional)

Materials:

• Replacement weather stripping (make sure to get the correct size and type for your garage door)
• End caps (if needed for the bottom seal)
• Rubber or vinyl weather stripping seal
• Lubricant (optional, for ease of installation)

Step 1: Measure the Garage Door

The first step in replacing your garage door weather stripping is to measure the length of the door to determine how much replacement weather stripping you’ll need. If you’re replacing the bottom seal, measure the entire width of the door. For side and top weather stripping, measure the height and width of each side or the length of the top edge of the door.

• Tip: If your door is standard in size, many hardware stores offer pre-cut weather stripping kits that fit common garage door dimensions. However, it’s always a good idea to measure first to ensure a proper fit.

Step 2: Remove the Old Weather Stripping

Once you have your new weather stripping, it’s time to remove the old one. The removal process will depend on the type of weather stripping you have.

For Bottom Seal (Rubber/Vinyl Strip):

1. Lift the Garage Door: Open your garage door fully to give yourself enough room to work.
2. Locate the Old Seal: The bottom seal is typically attached to the bottom of the garage door using a metal retainer.
3. Remove the Seal from the Retainer: Depending on the type of seal, it may slide out of a groove or be attached with nails or screws. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry it out if necessary.
4. Cut the Seal: If the seal is difficult to remove, use a utility knife or scissors to cut it into smaller sections, making it easier to remove.

For Side and Top Weather Stripping:

1. Check for Fasteners: Look for screws or nails that hold the weather stripping in place.
2. Pry Off the Stripping: Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry off the old stripping from the edges of the door.

Step 3: Clean the Door and Tracks

Before installing the new weather stripping, take the opportunity to clean the door and tracks where the new strip will sit. This ensures that the new seal will stick properly and prevents dirt from interfering with the installation.

• Use a damp cloth to wipe down the metal tracks and the bottom edge of the garage door.
• Clean the weather stripping grooves of any old adhesive, debris, or dust that may have accumulated over time.

Step 4: Install the New Weather Stripping

Now that you’ve removed the old weather stripping and cleaned the area, it’s time to install the new one. The installation process will vary slightly depending on the type of weather stripping you purchased.

For Bottom Seal Installation:

1. Prepare the New Seal: If the weather stripping came in a roll, unroll it and cut it to the exact length of your garage door. If necessary, add a few extra inches to the length to account for any gaps.
2. Insert the Seal into the Retainer: Most bottom seals slide into a metal retainer attached to the bottom of the door. Align the seal with the groove and gently press it into place. Make sure the seal is seated evenly across the entire width of the door.
   • Tip: If the seal is tight and difficult to insert, lubricate the groove with a silicone-based lubricant to make it easier to slide in.
3. Secure the Seal (if necessary): If your door uses nails, screws, or clips to secure the seal, use a hammer or screwdriver to fasten it in place.
4. Check for Gaps: Close the door and check the seal for any gaps. The bottom seal should touch the ground evenly across the entire width of the door.

For Side and Top Weather Stripping:

1. Cut to Length: Measure the sides and top of your garage door and cut the weather stripping to the appropriate length. Ensure the pieces are slightly longer than needed to accommodate adjustments.
2. Insert the Stripping: Depending on the type of weather stripping, either slide it into place along the sides and top of the door or attach it with nails or screws. Some weather stripping has adhesive backing, which makes installation easier—simply peel off the backing and press the strip into place.
3. Press Firmly: Make sure the weather stripping is pressed securely into the tracks and adheres properly. Check for any gaps where air could seep in.

Step 5: Check the Door Functionality

After installing the new weather stripping, it’s important to test the garage door to ensure everything works properly. Close the door and inspect the seal on all sides, checking for any gaps or areas where the door is not sealing properly.

• Check for a Tight Seal: The new weather stripping should form a tight seal along the edges of the door. If there are any gaps, adjust the weather stripping or trim it to fit properly.
• Test the Door Movement: Open and close the door a few times to ensure that the new weather stripping does not interfere with its movement.

Step 6: Maintain the Weather Stripping

Once the new weather stripping is installed, you’ll want to maintain it to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Here are a few maintenance tips:

• Inspect Regularly: Check the weather stripping every few months for signs of wear, such as cracks, tears, or loss of flexibility.
• Clean the Weather Stripping: Use a mild soap solution to clean the weather stripping occasionally. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the material.
• Lubricate: If the weather stripping starts to stick or lose flexibility, apply a silicone-based lubricant to keep it in good condition.
• Replace as Needed: If the weather stripping becomes too worn or damaged, replace it promptly to keep your garage door functioning efficiently.

Conclusion

Replacing the weather stripping on your garage door is a straightforward and cost-effective way to improve the energy efficiency, comfort, and cleanliness of your garage. Whether you’re dealing with a worn-out bottom seal, side strips, or top weather stripping, this DIY project can be completed in just a few hours with a minimal investment. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to install new weather stripping that keeps out drafts, moisture, and pests, ensuring your garage remains secure and energy-efficient for years to come.